The Best Cheap Car Insurance in Utah for 2020

The Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for Utah Drivers in 2020

When searching for cheap car insurance in Utah, most customers will be able to choose from five of the most familiar car insurance companies. The cost of coverage for these companies varies for the average driver. Requesting free car insurance quotes from a few providers can help you find personalized pricing information.

While many insurance carriers provide estimates for the average driver, costs may be lower or higher depending on your individual situation. There are many factors that impact the cost of car insurance, including age, gender, driving record and the type of car you drive.

The Best Car Insurance Companies in Utah for 2020

MoneyGeek ranked the top car insurance companies in Utah to help you find the best coverage. Each of the five top-rated auto insurance companies in Utah received a score out of 100 for MoneyGeek’s ranking. Scores were calculated by equally weighing four consumer and industry reviews, including AM Best's financial strength rating and J.D. Power's customer satisfaction rating, claims score and affordability score.

When searching for the best and cheapest car insurance in Utah, reliability, personalization and customer satisfaction should be considered alongside affordability.

Market Share by Company

With 15.35% of the market share in the state, State Farm insures more people in Utah than any other company. Getting a quote from one of the largest insurance companies in Utah could save you money and ensure that your provider is familiar with regulations in the Beehive State.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI in Utah

The consequences of a DUI (driving under the influence) vary by state and typically grow in severity after each offense. In the state of Utah, DUI offenders face a minimum of 48 hours jail time and can have their license suspended for a minimum of 120 days.

In a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 0.7% of Utah adults reported driving after drinking too much within the last 30 days at the time of the survey. In 2018, the BAC (blood alcohol concentration) in Utah was lowered from 0.08 to 0.05 grams per deciliter, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

A DUI will impact a driver’s insurance rates for years and rates could double overnight. Requesting multiple free quotes from a pool of top insurance companies can help your odds of finding cheap car insurance with a DUI in Utah.

If you are unable to obtain insurance after a DUI, exploring state-sponsored auto insurance programs can provide a solution. These programs were created by the states to insure high-risk drivers while sharing the risk of insuring this type of driver between multiple providers.

Cheapest Car Insurance for UT Speeding or Distracted Driving Tickets

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for 237 vehicle crashes in Utah in 2018. Many insurers look at distracted driving and speeding infractions as a risk. A violation will most likely increase your insurance rates, but how much depends on your carrier and your previous driving record. It’s important to note that if you are cited for distracted driving, your insurance premium could increase even if you were not involved in an accident.

The Utah DMV uses a point system to mark your record of traffic violations. According to Utah Courts, if you drive one year without being convicted of a moving traffic violation, half of the points on your driving record will be removed. If you drive two years without a moving traffic violation, all of the points on your record will be removed. In most cases, clearing your record is a waiting game.

Maintaining cheap car insurance rates with a ticket in Utah is still possible. If you have tickets, some insurance companies will offer a reduced premium if you take a defensive driving course. Speak with your insurer to discuss the best option for you.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in UT for Drivers With Bad Credit

According to the Utah Insurance Department, some insurance companies believe that there is a direct relationship between a person’s financial responsibility and losses reflected in their credit score. Therefore, insurance companies believe that drivers with high credit scores who tend to have fewer and less costly losses should pay less for insurance, and vice versa. With an average credit score of 716, Utah ranks number 16 in the nation for highest credit scoring according to Experion. While many drivers in Utah have a higher-than-average credit score, a low score could still increase your insurance premium.

If you have bad credit, the first thing to do is ask your insurance company if they use credit information, how they look at this information, and if it impacts your rates. When shopping for insurance quotes, ask each provider these questions and request that they reevaluate when you improve your credit.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Utah for Seniors

When looking for cheap car insurance for seniors in Utah, a few unique factors come into play. While older drivers tend to have more experience behind the wheel, some physical impairments often show with aging. These include vision loss, slower reflexes and changes in attention.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13.8% of fatal traffic accidents in Utah involved a driver over the age of 65 in 2017. Because seniors tend to face physical limitations to driving, Utah auto insurance companies weigh these risks against all other factors when developing policies for older drivers.

If you are a senior shopping for car insurance, first meet with your doctor to discuss your capabilities and limitations behind the wheel, then research senior discounts offered by the top-rated car insurance companies in the state.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Students

To find cheap car insurance for teenagers in Utah, look for discounts and teen driver programs, and consider the type of car your teen is driving. Choose a vehicle with good crash protection to keep your child safe — not necessarily flashy cars deemed “cool” by your teen.

Utah teens under age 18 are required to take a driver's education course to get a license. You can find a list of approved courses on the Utah Department of Public Safety website.

The Utah Insurance Department recommends that parents set ground rules before your teen gets behind the wheel, including what hours your child can drive, whether they can bring friends in the car and how many miles a day they are allowed to drive.

If you drive an expensive car, it could cost you even more to add your teen to your policy than to purchase a modestly priced (but safe) vehicle that just has liability and uninsured motorist coverage. In addition to saving on the collision and comprehensive coverage for your child, you may get a discount for insuring two or more vehicles under the same policy. Discuss the options with your insurance agent or compare auto insurance quotes from new insurers.

Premium Comparison by Student Type

Premium comparison for two adults + 16 years old

Average premium for two 2014

Mustang GTs

$4,872

Average premium for two 2008

Town and Country Limiteds

$3,202

Annual benefits of minivans:$1,670 saved

This is 34% less expensive.

Cheaper premium for college vs. high school drivers

Median premium change with a college student vs. high school driver:

$772 DECREASE

This is a savings of 21%.

Potential discounts for teens in Utah

Impact on annual premium with good student and defensive driving discounts:

$264 SAVED

Utah students: a long-distance discount

You may pay a smaller annual family premium if your child lives 150 miles or more away from home.

Average premium for a 19-year-old male

$3,131 at home

$2,602 at school

$529 IN SAVINGS

Average premium for a 19-year-old female

$2,680 at home

$2,349 at school

$331 IN SAVINGS

Insurance Rate Information for Military Drivers and Veterans

If you are a permanent resident of another state but are on active military duty in Utah, you can maintain your license and registration from your home state. But if you buy a car in Utah, you will have to pay Utah sales tax, even if you keep your home state registration.

If you are a Utah resident who is stationed out of state, you may be exempt from emissions and safety inspections (contact the Utah DMV for more information). If your license expires while you are on active duty outside of Utah, you may continue to use your license for up to 90 days after your discharge before filing for an extension or renewing it.

Many insurers provide discounts for military personnel and veterans, but remember — one of the best ways to secure a lower premium is to maintain a good driving record.

Age savings for Utah service members

25 years$1,398
50 years$1,067

25 years$1,220
50 years$1,067

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$331 Saved

$153 Saved

Median auto insurance for service members: $1,134

Who Needs Car Insurance in Utah?

All Utah residents and visitors who have spent at least 90 days in the state during the previous year must have their vehicles insured in Utah.

Proof of Insurance in Utah

The Utah Department of Motor Vehicles works with the private firm Insure-Rite, Inc. to regularly check vehicle registrations against insurance policies written in the state. If your vehicle is flagged as uninsured, you will receive a letter requiring you to provide proof of insurance. If you don't provide the proof, the DMV will suspend your license and registration.

Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements in Utah

Utah law requires that you carry both liability and personal injury protection (PIP, or No-Fault) insurance on any vehicle that is registered in the state. If you are in an accident, the PIP coverage takes effect first. Once the maximum PIP payout has been reached, your liability insurance takes over. The minimum coverage amounts are:

• $3,000 per person for personal injury protection, or PIP (also called "no-fault" coverage)
• $25,000 per person for injury liability
• $65,000 per accident for injury liability
• $15,000 per accident for property damage liability

Instead of separate bodily injury/property damage liability limits, you can instead purchase a policy for $80,000 total.

In addition, the law requires that insurers include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in your policy, but you have the right to reject that coverage in writing.

What Happens If You Drive Without Car Insurance in Utah?

If you are convicted of failing to insure your vehicle, your license and registration will be suspended and cannot be renewed until you provide proof of insurance and pay a fee. As stated by the Utah division of the DMV, the fine for driving without insurance is at least $400 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses within three years.

To get your license and registration reinstated, you will need to get an SR-22 certificate from a Utah-licensed insurance company that shows proof of insurance coverage. You will need to maintain this proof of insurance for three years. You will also have to pay a $100 reinstatement fee.

Car Insurance Requirements in Utah: How Much Coverage Do You Need?

You will be offered uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Utah has a relatively low percentage of uninsured drivers compared to other states, but you may still want to invest in this coverage for peace of mind.

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COMPARE QUOTES

Expert Advice on Finding Cheap Car Insurance in Utah

1. What are the key factors drivers in Utah should look for when searching for the best auto insurance coverage?

   Dr. Leo Chan

   Look at the minimum required by law. Insurance companies almost always scare you into buying more coverage than you need. If you’re a safe driver, the minimum is often enough. Also, do you really need comprehensive coverage for your 1999 Toyota Corolla? As a nation, we’re over-insured for most things. Another key is your credit score. It is a key factor in determining your insurance premium. So, be a good driver and a good consumer are keys to financial success (and lower insurance premium).

2. What steps can drivers in Utah take to find affordable car insurance?

   Dr. Leo Chan

   Always shop around! Oftentimes, the threat of leaving your current insurance company can lead to rate reductions.

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Dr. Leo ChanAssociate Professor of Finance Economics at Utah Valley UniversityREAD ANSWERS

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